May 2019

May 12th,

Sea Lions on Mitlenatch Island With Mount Denman in the Background

Mitlenatch Island Cost $130, Tax included.

Steller and California sea lions make a brief stay on Mitlenatch Island in their spring migrations. These massive animals, along with seals and hundreds of birds and wild flowers are the attractions on this trip sponsored by the Cortes Island Museum.

Misty Isles departs Cortes Bay at 1030am for our journey to Mitlenatch Island Marine Park and Nature Reserve. Once we have anchored, half of the group will go for a walk ashore. Courtship and nesting behaviours in the bird rookeries will be in full swing and are easily observable from the bird blind and trails while the meadow will be a coloured palate of spring wild flowers. The rest of the group will circumnavigate the island in the zodiac, weather permitting. We hope to see seals and sealions hauled out and basking in the sun and to see the early nest building activity at the cormorant rookeries. After the groups have swapped activities, Misty Isles will weigh anchor for our journey back to Cortes Bay. Given appropriate wind conditions there are often sailing opportunities for our voyages to and from Mitlenatch.

Misty Isles departs the Cortes Bay public dock at 10:30 am and returns at about 5:00pm in conjunction with the ferry schedule. Guests are urged to park their vehicles in Heriot Bay on Quadra Is. and walk on to the Cortes ferry. This will reduce ferry traffic congestion and ensure that you will be able to get off Cortes on the last ferry of the day. A shuttle service to and from the ferry to Cortes Bay can be arranged at the time of guest registration.

Guests participating on our trips should bring along a bagged lunch or order a Misty Isles sandwich (local fish, eggs or cheese in season) and local green salad lunch for $12 (GST included) at the time of registration. We also advise bringing rubber boots or shoes that you don’t mind getting wet for beach landings and clothing appropriate for the day which may include rain gear, extra jacket, long pants, sunscreen, sunhat and sun glasses. Don’t forget to pack your camera, binoculars and curiosity! Misty Isles provides black and herbal teas, coffee and home baked snacks.

LIABILITY WAIVER: All participants in sailing trips, guided kayaking trips or kayak rentals will be required to sign a waiver of liability. Link to Waiver